15 New Zealand Phrases Every International Student Should Know: What Kiwis Really Mean

If you tell your new classmates in New Zealand that you ate a kiwi for breakfast, you might get a few surprised looks!

While the small green fruit is known as a kiwi in many countries, New Zealanders always call it kiwifruit. That’s because the word kiwi refers to New Zealand’s famous native bird (which is protected and not available to try in restaurants!) It’s also an affectionate nickname for New Zealanders, who often refer to themselves as Kiwis.

It’s a funny reminder of how English can vary from country to country. If you’re planning to study in New Zealand, you’ll soon discover some unique words and expressions you may have not learnt in your English class.

In this article, we’ll take you through 15 New Zealand phrases to help you feel more connected to the people and culture around you.

First of all, let's hear from Nandini, our student ambassador at Auckland University of Technology, about her experience. She shares six Kiwi slang phrases that initially confused her and explains what they actually mean.

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So, what is New Zealand English and why is it different to other varieties of English?

When it comes to spelling, New Zealanders generally use British English standards. For example, they write colour with a ‘u,’ rather than the American spelling color.

You’ll also notice that New Zealanders have a distinctive accent and there are variations within New Zealand itself. It’s believed that the New Zealand accent was shaped by a mix of different influences, as many nineteenth-century immigrants came from different parts of England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland, bringing their own ways of speaking with them.

New Zealand has three official languages: English, Teo Reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language. Before British settlement, New Zealand had been inhabited by the Māori people for more than 1000 years. As a result, many Māori words have become a part of everyday New Zealand English like whanau (family) or kai (food). It’s also common to see Maori place names such as Rotorua, Mount Taranaki and Lake Wakatipu.

Because New Zealand is close to Australia, the two countries also share some slang. For instance, both New Zealanders and Australian use the informal words mate for friend and Maccas when talking about the McDonalds fast food chain.

However, like every country, New Zealand has developed its own unique words and expressions to reflect its culture and lifestyle. Let’s take a look at some common New Zealand expressions you might hear while you’re studying there.

1. Kia ora

This friendly Māori greeting is widely used across New Zealand. Some of your teachers might use it at the beginning of class or you might hear TV presenters use it before launching into a news report.

Those who are new to New Zealand often don’t realise that kia ora can mean more than just ‘hello.’ When you greet someone with kia ora, you are expressing a wish for their health and wellbeing. You can also use it to mean farewell, thank you or cheers as well as to show support or appreciation.

Tip for international students: If someone uses it to greet you, try it out as a reply.

2: Bro

Another common word you’ll hear in Kiwi conversations is bro. Short for brother, people use bro when chatting to friends and even strangers as a friendly, informal greeting or way to address someone. Think of it as a replacement word for mate or man.

For example:

To a friend: “How are you, bro?”

To the bus driver when getting off the bus: “Thanks, bro.”

Tip for international students: Listen to how locals use it first before trying it out. Avoid using bro in more formal situations like a job interview or academic essays.

3. Sweet as

This iconic Kiwi saying can have a few different meanings. It can mean ‘great’ or ‘excellent’ or ‘sounds good’ to show you agree with someone or to approve of something. New Zealanders also use it to mean no problem to reassure people.

Examples:

Amy: Shall we have lunch after class?

Liam: Sweet as!

Koa: How’s your new phone?

Gareth: Sweet as!

Dave: Thanks for collecting my mail while I was away.

Eric: Sweet as, bro.

John: I can’t make it.

Moana: Sweet as.

Tip for international students: It’s best to use this in casual conversations with friends and classmates. It may sound inappropriate in formal discussions about more serious topics.

4. Dairy

Despite all the farms you’ll see in New Zealand, a dairy doesn’t usually refer to a place where cheese and milk are made. Kiwis usually use this word to describe a small, neighbourhood corner shop that sells everyday items like bread, milk, snacks and newspapers. Think of a dairy as a mini supermarket.

Example: I’m going to the dairy. Do you need anything?

Tip for international students: Visit your local dairy to try New Zealand ice cream.

5. Yeah, nah

Nandini isn’t the only international student who was confused by this seemingly contradictory New Zealand expression. Yeah, nah is a polite, non-committal phrase that many Kiwis use when they don’t agree with something or want to decline an invitation without causing offence. It’s mainly used in informal social situations.

Megan: We’re going to see a movie after class if you want to come.

Blake: Yeah, nah. I’ve got an essay to finish. (he doesn’t want to come).

Tip for international students: If this phrase feels confusing, focus on understanding it more than using it. A simple "No, thanks" or "Sorry, I can’t " is perfectly fine for conversations with your Kiwi classmates.

6. Brekkie

Brekkie is an informal word for breakfast. It’s also used in Australia and the UK.

Example: Do you want to try out that new café for brekkie?

Tip for international students: Use breakfast in workplace emails, but brekkie is fine when you’re messaging friends or classmates.

7. Heaps

Kiwis use this word as an intensifying adverb to mean a lot or plenty.

As Nandini says in her video, you might hear students or colleagues saying Thanks heaps, meaning Thanks a lot.

Other examples:

We’ve got heaps of time.

There were heaps of people at the party.

Tip for international students: Fine for casual interactions (neighbours, classmates, shop staff etc), but best to avoid it in formal writing and meetings.

8. Jandals

Not to be confused with sandals, jandals are what Kiwis call open-toe footwear with a strap that runs between the toes. You might have heard these referred to as flip flops in the US or UK. In New Zealand, they’re not just for the beach or the pool. Don’t be surprised if you see people wearing them the supermarket or even to class.

Example: Have you seen my jandals?

Tip for international students: Live like a local and pick up a cheap pair of jandals from your nearest shoe shop or superstore when you arrive.

9. Togs

As an island nation with a strong beach culture, it’s no surprise that New Zealand has its own word for swimsuit: togs.

Example: Don’t forget to bring your togs.

Tip for international students: Use this word in everyday situations to describe any kind of men’s or women’s swimwear.

10. Stoked

If you use this Kiwi slang word, it means you’re very pleased or excited about something.

Example: “I’m stoked to be here!”

Tip for international students: Try this one out to express excitement about good news like a sports win. Just remember that it’s quite informal, so it’s better suited to conversations with your friends and classmates rather than your lecturer or boss.

11. Ta

This tiny word simply means thank you. You may hear parents reminding their little children to use it, possibly because it’s a lot easier to say than a full thank you when you’re learning to speak!

Here’s an example of how adults might use it:

Sarah: Here’s your bag.

Gemma: Ta.

Tip for international students: We wouldn’t recommend using this one to sign-off an email to your tutor, but feel free to try it out in less formal situations.

12. Tea

In New Zealand, tea can mean more than just a cup of tea. For some Kiwis, it also means dinner.

Example: Would you like to come over for tea tomorrow?

Tip for international students: A local inviting you over for tea at 6pm is probably inviting you to dinner, not just a hot drink. If you're unsure, just ask. And don't worry if you prefer to use the word dinner instead, as it's widely understood in New Zealand.

13. Bring a plate

If a Kiwi asks you to bring a plate, it means bring a plate of food to share at a social event.

Example: We’re having a barbecue on Saturday and everyone’s bringing a plate.

Tip for international students: If you’re not sure what kind of food to bring, check with your host.

14. Tramping

If you enjoy being outdoors, don’t miss the opportunity to try tramping while you’re in New Zealand. You probably know this as hiking.

No matter where you go, you'll be surrounded by beautiful scenery, whether that's the coast, alpine landscapes, lakes, waterfalls or native bush.

Example: “We’re going tramping in Fiordland during the break. Would you like to come?”

Tip for international students: Visit the New Zealand government’s Department of Conservation website to find tramping maps, book campsites and read the latest safety information.

15. Ay

This one is not really a word, but more of a sound that New Zealanders sometimes add to the end of a sentence to add emphasis or encourage someone to agree with them such as “That was a good party, ay.”

It can also be used to express surprise. For example:

Alana: I’m not coming back next term.

Nick: Ay?

Kiwis also spell ay as eh or aye.

Tip for international students: Don’t feel you need to use this one yourself. We’ve included it so you’ll understand it when you hear it. If you do decide to try it, save it for casual conversations and avoid using it in formal writing.

The short answer is yes, IELTS accepts New Zealand English. In fact, you may hear New Zealand accents in the IELTS Listening test.

If you choose to use New Zealand spelling, make sure you’re consistent and don’t switch between different spelling conventions such as New Zealand and American English.

You can use standard New Zealand vocabulary where appropriate, for example, if you’re writing a letter to friend in the IELTS General Training test, you might remind them to pack their jandals.

However, it's best to avoid very informal Kiwi slang such as sweet as, yeah, nah and stoked in your IELTS test.

Always focus on using language that is clear, accurate and appropriate for the task and audience.

Learning local expressions can help you feel more confident, connected and comfortable in New Zealand. While you do not need to master Kiwi slang, understanding common words and phrases can make everyday conversations easier and help you settle into student life more quickly.

Build friendships more easily

Using common Kiwi expressions such as jandals or dairy can show that you're making an effort to understand local culture. Small interactions like these can help start conversations and build connections with local students and residents.

Feel more confident in everyday conversations

Understanding everyday language means you can focus on the conversation instead of constantly translating phrases in your head. This can help you communicate more naturally and feel more confident in social and academic settings.

Understand humour and social situations

New Zealand humour often includes understatement, wordplay and local expressions. Familiarity with common slang can help you better understand jokes, conversations and social interactions.

Connect with New Zealand culture

Language is an important part of culture. Learning Kiwi expressions, including Māori words like Kia ora that are commonly used in everyday English, can help you gain a deeper understanding of New Zealand's unique identity and traditions.

Take part in campus life

From flatmates talking about uni (short for “university”) to classmates asking you to bring a plate, understanding local language can make it easier to join conversations, make friends, and feel part of the student community.

The more Kiwi phrases you recognise, the more familiar everyday life in New Zealand can feel. Over time, this can help you feel more at home in your new environment.

How well do you remember the expressions you’re read about? Test your knowledge with five quick questions. You’ll find the answers at the end of this article.

1. What does sweet as usually mean?

A. Very sugary B. Too expensive C. Great or no problem D. Feeling very excited

2. In New Zealand, what is a dairy?

A. A milk factory B. A small neighbourhood convenience store C. Another word for cow D. A university café

3. If a New Zealander says, "Come over for tea at 6pm," what are they probably inviting you to?

A. An English lesson B. Afternoon tea C. Dinner D. Cocktails

4. What does "yeah, nah" usually mean?

A. The speaker agrees completely. B. The speaker is politely disagreeing or declining. C. The speaker is thinking about what to say. D. The speaker wants more information.

5. If you're told to "bring a plate" to a social gathering, what should you do?

A. Bring an empty serving plate B. Bring extra cutlery C. Bring your own dinner plate to eat from D. Bring food to share with everyone

Preparing before you arrive can help make your transition smoother. Here are some simple ways to get started.

Learn common New Zealand expressions before you arrive

You don't need to learn every local expression. Start with a few popular NZ phrases such as sweet as, brekkie, and bring a plate, so you're familiar with them when you hear them in everyday conversations.

Listen to New Zealand English

Podcasts, YouTube channels, local television and radio programmes can help you become familiar with the New Zealand accent, pronunciation and commonly used expressions before you arrive.

Practise everyday conversations

Look for opportunities to speak with native English speakers, including online language communities. Regular practice can help you become more comfortable using local phrases naturally.

Connect with other New Zealand international students

You don't have to navigate the experience alone. The IDP Student Community can connect you with other international students who are already studying in New Zealand. You can learn from their experiences, gain practical tips and hear real stories about student life, accommodation and settling into a new city.

Start your New Zealand journey with confidence

A little preparation before you travel can make a big difference. By learning common Kiwi sayings and connecting with other students, you can feel more confident and ready to settle into life in New Zealand from day one.

Need to improve your English before studying abroad?

Visit our IELTS Prepare Hub.

Answers to quiz:

1.) C 2.) B 3.) C 4.) B 5.) D